Legislation

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for public K-12 schools and the Department of Education, recognizing the Department's vital role in supporting students with disabilities, low-income families, and English language learners. It affirms that federal investment in public education is crucial and should not be diverted to private schools through vouchers. The resolution condemns any actions that would defund public education, weaken the Department of Education, or shift education funding responsibilities to state and local governments.

This bill reauthorizes and reforms the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to increase affordable housing options by providing more funding and adjusting administrative processes. It modifies eligibility criteria, streamlines fund allocation, and allows community land trusts to acquire housing. The bill also introduces a home loan guarantee program and makes technical corrections to improve the clarity and effectiveness of existing housing legislation.

The MATE Improvement Act expands the list of organizations that can develop or accredit pain management and addiction treatment training programs for physicians and other healthcare practitioners who prescribe controlled substances. It also adds podiatric medicine and accredited schools of pharmacy to the list of medical fields and institutions whose graduates must complete such training. These changes are retroactive to December 29, 2022, the original enactment date of the MATE Act.

The "Commercial Remote Sensing Amendment Act of 2025" amends Title 51 of the U.S. Code, modifying annual reporting requirements for commercial remote sensing licenses. These changes include revised deadlines, updated notification processes, mandatory inclusion of license terms and conditions, categorization of licenses by tier with justifications, and an extension of the sunset provision to September 30, 2030.

The "Traveler's Gun Rights Act" clarifies the definition of "State of residence" for firearm purchases, particularly for military personnel and those without a fixed residence. It allows active duty military members and their spouses to purchase firearms in the state of their permanent duty station or where they commute from, and individuals without a physical residence to use the location of their private mailbox or post office box. The bill also updates background check requirements to accommodate these new definitions, ensuring accurate identification of firearm transferees.

The "SPEAK Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to form a task force to improve access to healthcare information technology for those who do not speak English. It requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance within one year, in consultation with various entities, on best practices for telehealth services for people with limited English proficiency. The guidance will cover a variety of topics, including using interpreters during telemedicine appointments and providing accessible instructions on accessing telecommunications systems. The goal is to ensure that non-English speakers have equal access to telehealth services and healthcare information.

The HELPER Act of 2025 amends the National Housing Act to establish an FHA mortgage insurance program for first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and teachers. This program allows the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure mortgages up to 100% of the appraised value for eligible first-time homebuyers, waiving down payment requirements but requiring an up-front mortgage insurance premium. Mortgagors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a first-time homebuyer, completing a housing counseling program, and meeting employment and good standing requirements as a first responder. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2032 and requires reauthorization of the program after 5 years.

The "Direct Hire To Fight Fires Act" streamlines the hiring process for federal wildland firefighters and support staff within the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior by authorizing direct hiring and reducing hiring times. It mandates the creation of transparent hiring policies and requires annual reports to Congress on hiring needs, progress, and challenges. The goal is to quickly fill critical positions and improve recruitment and retention in federal wildland firefighting.

The "Securing American Agriculture Act" directs the Secretary of Agriculture to annually assess and report on the United States' dependency on critical agricultural products and inputs from China. The report will identify supply chain vulnerabilities and recommend ways to reduce reliance on China, including boosting domestic production. This aims to safeguard American agriculture by addressing potential threats and vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to expedite the collective bargaining process for initial labor agreements under the National Labor Relations Act. It mandates quicker meeting times between employers and newly recognized unions, introduces mediation through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and if necessary, utilizes binding arbitration to finalize agreements. A report will be created by the Comptroller General, examining the average time it takes to reach a collective bargaining agreement. The arbitration panel's decision will be binding for two years, promoting stability while considering various factors like the employer's finances and employee needs.

The "La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act" allows the Secretary of the Interior to transfer about 3,400 acres of federal land to La Paz County, Arizona, for fair market value, to promote solar energy development and job creation. The County must protect Tribal cultural artifacts on the land and pay for the conveyance and appraisal costs. Revenue from the land sale will be used as directed by the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act. The conveyed land will be withdrawn from mining and mineral leasing.

This resolution celebrates the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. It recognizes their significant achievements across various sectors, including military service, business, medicine, and the arts. The resolution also emphasizes the need to invest in the future of these women by addressing barriers they face in justice, healthcare, education, and economic advancement.

The Guarding Readiness Resources Act allows the National Guard Bureau to credit funds received as reimbursement from states for the use of military property to the original or a currently available appropriate account. These funds can only be used by the Department of Defense for the repair, maintenance, replacement, or similar functions directly related to assets used by National Guard units operating under State active duty status.

The PRICE Act establishes a competitive grant program to improve manufactured housing communities. These grants can fund infrastructure upgrades, housing reconstruction or replacement, community services, and other activities that enhance living conditions and affordability. The program prioritizes projects benefiting low- and moderate-income residents while preserving long-term housing affordability and allows waivers on certain regulations to facilitate grant usage.

The "Deliver for Democracy Act" aims to improve the on-time delivery of periodicals by the USPS by setting a 95% on-time delivery target or requiring a 2% increase in on-time delivery performance to unlock additional rate authority. It mandates annual reporting on delivery performance and requires a study on alternative pricing to support periodicals.

The "988 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act" aims to protect the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline program from cybersecurity threats by improving coordination, mandating prompt reporting of vulnerabilities and incidents, and clarifying oversight responsibilities. It also requires a study by the Comptroller General to evaluate cybersecurity risks associated with the 988 Lifeline.

The "Medicare Dental, Hearing, and Vision Expansion Act of 2025" amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand Medicare coverage to include dental, hearing, and vision care starting in 2027. It covers a range of services, including preventive and treatment dental care, hearing exams and aids, and routine vision exams and eyeglasses, with specific payment rules and limitations. The bill also allocates funding for implementation and phases in the impact of dental coverage on Part B premiums.

The "Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act" amends title 49 of the United States Code to broaden criminal penalties for damaging or destroying pipeline facilities. It expands the scope of prohibited actions to include vandalizing, tampering, disrupting the operation or construction of, or preventing the operation or construction of pipelines.

The "America Supports Taiwan Act" mandates U.S. agencies to officially use "Taiwan" instead of "Chinese Taipei" in documents and communications, except in specific historical or international organizational contexts. This change aims to align U.S. terminology with its support for Taiwan and avoid language implying Chinese control. Agencies are required to update their websites accordingly within 14 days of the Act's enactment.

The "Save Our Shipyards Act of 2025" or "SOS Act of 2025" establishes a National Commission on the Maritime Industrial Base to investigate and study the state of the U.S. maritime industry and its ability to support national defense. The Commission will develop policy recommendations for the President and Congress to strengthen the maritime industry, revitalize the naval fleet, foster shipbuilding, and preserve maritime jobs. The Commission will submit a report detailing its findings and recommendations within one year of its first meeting.